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Michigan’s 2010 Season: If it’s a Nightmare…
This is the first post of a little series of three – examining Michigan’s 2010 nightmare, dream and probable season outcomes.
With a clean slate in both the win and loss column – August tends to distribute rather overwhelming optimism and pessimism among fan bases across the country. Hence, I delve into the depths of the mere possibility of an absolutely terrible 2010 season for Michigan. If all goes wrong and the team can’t seem to pull it together. If there appears to be little offensive and defensive improvement, the losses will begin to pile up quicker than a Denard scamper.
The Nightmare Begins…
Connecticut.
This game has been talked about all summer as a very difficult opener for Michigan. Facing a confident team that has experienced success in each of their last three seasons. The Nightmare starts with Michigan struggling all day to move the ball consistently and the all too familiar upside down turnover ratio going against the Wolverines. Michigan winds up keeping it close but struggles all day and loses a close one. The fan base is uneasy after a not so stellar outing in the opener and the season begins at 0-1. Nightmare Record: 0-1
@ Notre Dame.
Notre Dame opens their season against a Purdue team that could very well beat them, so both teams could be heading into their second game feeling a hair desparate for a big win. I think this season’s game in South Bend will be a typical rivalry game – neck and neck with a few WTF type turnovers from each team. Should Notre Dame beat Michigan, Brian Kelly catches Michigan off guard with some play calls that Michigan simply isn’t prepared for. Michigan, again loses a close game for the second time over two September Saturdays. Nightmare Record: 0-2
Massechussetts.
Well, the 0-2 Michigan squad gets a breather at home against a team that even Michigan’s 2008 team led by Nick Sheridan would have eased by. Nothing feels better about the season even with a royal beatdown of Umass. Michigan wins by at least three touchdowns and the Michigan faithful limp on to another week of practice. Nightmare Record: 1-2.
Bowling Green.
The thought and fear of another loss to a MAC team is there, and let’s not beat around the shrubbery, it’s a frightening thought. Michigan looks less then steller and gives up way too many yards to Bowling Green’s offense. Fortunately, Bowling Green can’t handle either Tate or Denard as they split time (as we all know will happen regardless of who starts any particular game) and put enough points up on the board to make the win look respectable on the ticker. Nightmare Record: 2-2.
@ Indiana.
Last year’s win against the Hoosiers was one of those games that pretty much sucked to watch. At that point, Michigan’s defense hadn’t truly been exposed and the team showed it’s first real signs of the meltdown that would come as the season pushed on. Michigan will walk into Bloomington hoping to add another notch to the win column, however, Indiana has different thoughts in mind. The Indiana offense again abuses Michigan’s defense and a couple costly Michigan turnovers gets Indiana enough on the board to stave off a late Michigan rally led by Forcier. Nightmare Record: 2-3.
Michigan State.
At this point, Michigan fans are ready to throw Rodriguez to the streets as the preseason optimism lingers in fans minds and all wonder if it’s possible to get this thing turned around. Afterall, it’s still early October with a lot of season left to be played. Michigan puts together a solid performance for the first time this season and takes full advantage of a couple early Michigan State blunders. Michigan gets its hopes back up after their best game of the season. Nightmare Record: 3-3.
Iowa.
Iowa enters the Big House on a roll with an unblemished record and a top ten ranking. This game will be much like last years, where Michigan competes but is never really out front and never really looks as though they are better than Iowa. While it’s a good game, Iowa’s defense proves to be too much for Michigan to ever establish anything positive on the ground – Iowa’s offense does enough to get 20+ points on the board by chewing up yardage and the clock with a solid ground game. Nightmare Record: 3-4.
@ Penn State.
Michigan comes into the game with a proclaimed renewed focus after a solid week of practice. Much like many of the games in 2009, Michigan can move the ball and the offense looks great at times, but as the game progresses Penn State seems to be the more dominant team. Michigan does not produce any big plays and it’s inexperienced kicking game misses a couple key field goals. Michigan leaves Happy Valley quite discouraged as it seems like this was just another one that slipped away in the latter stages of the game. Nightmare Record: 3-5.
Illinois.
With the season looking a lot like 2009, Michigan’s chances of getting to a bowl game seem to be less and less likely as the losses pile up. A Juice-less Illinois team strolls into Michigan Stadium hoping to get a big win as Illinois is having a terrible season. Michigan plays up to par as they did against Michigan State earlier in the season and gets another solid, turnover-free performance out of all three units. Michigan still is hopeful to get to a bowl game and finish the season on a high note. Nightmare Record: 4-5.
@ Purdue.
What the hell is it about Ross Ade Stadium – because over the years Michigan has really struggled to come out of there with wins. Just this week, the Big Ten Network was playing the 2000 game, where a Drew Henson / David Terrell / Anthony Thomas led offense blew a 28-10 lead against the Drew Brees led Boilermakers. Much of the same to be expected here, a high scoring affair that leaves Michigan with a sour taste and rotten bus ride back to Ann Arbor. Some Purdue player is sure to have a career defining game. Michigan goes down. Nightmare Record: 4-6.
Wisconsin.
Wisconsin comes in not living up to the preseason top fifteen type expectations everybody set in August. That being said, Wisconsin takes advantage of some sloppy quarterback play from Michigan as a frustrated Rodriguez shuffles both Denard and Tate in and out of the game – hoping one of them will perform. Michigan loses a stinker and a low scoring game on a dreary November day. Bowl hopes again – dashed. Nightmare Record: 4-7.
@ University of Ohio State.
Well, once again Michigan is faced with a “well if we beat Ohio State down in Columbus it will almost make up for everything that went wrong all season.” As nice as that sounds – it ain’t happening. Ohio State is too solid in all three phases of the game and the game is almost a direct repeat of 2009. Michigan moves the ball, but doesn’t have enough firepower to look like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. Nightmare Record: 4-8.
The Odds of the Nightmare Happening?
There is about a 8% chance the season plays out this way. While I won’t totally discount it, and using history as a guide, Michigan should at the very least be on par with last season and most likely show marked improvement. BUT, you never know, as we thought the seasons and product on the field were mere impossibilities before the 2008 and 2009 seasons actually happened.
Worry not my friends. ANYTHING can happen – but I don’t foresee the Nightmare becoming part of our reality in the near future.
Tme I lost reading this crap, I will never get back… sigh…
It’s all fun and games my friend. Settle down now.